Latest news with #OnyxXT
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: No guarantee updated Isuzu MU-X will get more love
Seven-seater SUV trails Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest by a mile in terms of market share. The Isuzu MU-X was the recipient of a nip and tuck this month. Whether the update is enough to take away market share from the segment's top dogs, the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, remains to be seen. Isuzu MU-X makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we discuss the updated Isuzu MU-X. We look at the enhancements and at the flagship Onyx XT's price tag that breaches R1 million for the first time. Isuzu is confident that MU-X sales will improve. Its sales have picked up slightly over the last few years, but it is still miles behind the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. Even the Mahindra Scorpio-N has the better of it more often than not. ALSO READ: R1-million Isuzu MU-X will struggle to catch Fortuner and Everest The evolution of the Isuzu Trooper and Frontier led to the birth of the first Isuzu MU-X in 2018. The second generation was launched in 2021 with 3.0 litre turbodiesel engines, with a 1.9 litre derivative added two years later. Isuzu has kept the updated range spanning across six derivatives unchanged. It kicks off with the R752 300 1.9 litre LS 4×2 which is offered alongside five 3.0 litres models. The top-of-the-range Onyx XT costs R1 026 800. Two diesel engines The base model's 1.9 litre blown diesel mill produces 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque which is sent to the rear wheels via six-speed automatic transmission. In 3.0 litre turbodiesel guise, the engine produces 140kW/450Nm, also mated to a six-speed auto transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on the Onyx XT, while the other 3.0 litre models offer a selection between rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. In terms of styling, the Onyx XT has raised the Isuzu MU-X's game quite a bit. It rides on gloss black 20 inch rims and features blacked-out grille with the XT badge, magnetite accents, gloss black wheel arch cladding and black side steps, mirrors caps and roof rails.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
R1-million Isuzu MU-X will struggle to catch Fortuner and Everest
Isuzu's seven-seater SUV updated with attractive new looks and more technology. The Isuzu D-Max holds a comfortable place at the local top bakkie table, but its SUV sibling, the MU-X, is akin to the adage of having a brother in prison. You love him, but do not speak about him. Like the bakkie segment, the body on frame SUV space is also headed by Toyota. In an average month the Fortuner holds around half of the market share, with the Ford Everest a distant but steady second. The third place is an almighty scrap between the Isuzu MU-X and Mahindra Scorpio-N, with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport also in the mix. But even during months when the MU-X does edge the Scorpio-N, it doesn't come close to the kind of market share the D-Max has established in the bakkie race. Or in markets like Australia for example. Slowly but surely Isuzu is not under the illusion that the facelifted MU-X is going to perform miracles. But the Japanese manufacturer hopes it can at least build on the gradual single-digit percentage growth the SUV has achieved since the introduction of the second generation locally in 2021. The facelifted version of the seven-seater SUV features styling enhancements and more technology on board. It keeps the 1.9 and 3.0-litre powertrains from before across six models, with the refined flagship model now adopting the Onyx XT moniker in becoming the first local Isuzu to break the R1-million barrier. Seeing the facelift MU-X from the front approaching from a distance gives off serious previous generation Mercedes-Benz GLE vibes. The updated Isuzu MU-X features a redesigned front bumper which houses a model specific grille flanked by redesigned LED headlights. The grille and redesigned fog lights bezels share the same honeycomb pattern, with the ISUZU lettering moving up from the grille to below the bonnet line. The Onyx XT rides on 20-inch gloss black alloys. Picture: Isuzu Onyx XT looks the part The German inspired styling continues at the rear were the full-width lightbar between the revised LED taillight cluster is reminiscent of the Audi Q8. LS and LSE models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, with the Onyx XT kitted out in gloss black 20-inch rims. The latter works a charm along with a blacked-out grille with the XT badge, magnetite accents, gloss black wheel arch cladding and black side steps, mirrors caps and roof rails. Moving to the inside, the MU-X's dashboard has been revamped, while new colours feature on the doors and armrests. The seats also feature reworked leather patterns. ALSO READ: Can new entry-level Isuzu MU-X dent Toyota Fortuner's pride? More tech inside Isuzu MU-X Now standard across the range is a nine-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen systems now feature five touch-sensitive switches alongside the two rotary dials as before. The instrument cluster features a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display flanked by an analogue tachometer on the left and fuel and temperature gauges on the right. Standard across the range is push-start, electric front seats and front and rear parking sensors. In addition, LSE models get 360-degree camera and paddle shifters, while the Onyx XT boasts adaptive cruise control and heated front seats. A nine-inch infotainment system takes centre stage. Picture: Isuzu No change in power A decent set of safety systems is standard across the range, with the Isuzu MU-X Onyx XT benefitting from advanced systems like lane departure warning. The 1.9-litre blown diesel mill produces 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine produces 140kW/450Nm and is also mated to a six-speed auto box. All-wheel drive is standard on the Onyx XT, while the other 3.0-litre models offer a selection between rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Smooth drive A recent launch drive around the Cape Winelands was enough for the 3.0-litre mill to prove to The Citizen Motoring that it has plenty of urge with little turbo lag. It offers a refined ride with smooth gear changes. Off the beaten track, the MU-X is as capable as you'd come to expect from an Isuzu off-roader. The updated Isuzu MU-X looks and feels better than its ever been. But the reality is that it is still playing catch-up to the Ford Everest and dated Toyota Fortuner. It's hard to imagine a price tag that breaches seven digits for the flagship will be justified for many more than the Isuzu faithful. Isuzu MU-X pricing MU-X 1.9 Ddi LS 4×2 AT – R752 300 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LS 4×2 AT – R852 600 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LS 4×4 AT – R939 500 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LSE 4×2 AT – R886 700 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LSE 4×4 AT – R973 700 MU-X 3.0 Ddi Onyx XT 4×4 AT – R1 026 800 *Pricing includes five-year/90 000km service plan and five-year/120 000km warranty.
The Herald
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
New Isuzu MU-X local pricing and specs revealed
Exclusive to the Onyx XT is sporty red ambient interior lighting, black leather seats with red contrast stitching and a multifunction steering wheel with a piano black finish and a metallic lower centre ornament. It further benefits from additional USB Type-C ports. The new MU-X is available with two four-cylinder turbodiesel engine options. The 3.0l engine, offered in LS, LSE, and Onyx XT grades, produces 140kW and 450Nm of torque. The 1.9l engine, available in the LS model, delivers 110kW and 350Nm, with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.0l/100km. Both engines are meshed to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.9 is offered in a 4x2 configuration only, while the beefier 3.0 is available in both 4x2 and 4x4, with 4x4 models including a differential lock and low-range transfer case. Pricing: 1.9 LS 4x2: R752,300 3.0 LS 4x2: R852,600 3.0 LS 4x4: R939,500 3.0 LSE 4x2: R886,700 3.0 LSE 4x4: R973, 700 3.0 Onyx XT 4x4: R1,026,800 A five-year/90,000km service plan and five-year/120,000km warranty comes as standard.
TimesLIVE
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
New Isuzu MU-X local pricing and specs revealed
The updated Isuzu MU-X range made its official South African debut on Monday. Sporting a fresh exterior aesthetic, this family SUV looms large with a revamped front end home to a new bumper, restyled radiator grille, redesigned Isuzu badge and more defined LED headlight clusters. The latter are packed with bi-beam technology and LED daytime running lights. The front fog lamps have also been repositioned for enhanced visibility. Updates to the rear of Isuzu's seasoned Toyota Fortuner rival include a revised bumper, all-new tailgate design and the introduction of a mid-level spoiler and new badging. Enhanced combination LED taillights are bridged by a distinctive new tailgate garnish. While LS and LSE models roll on new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, the flagship Onyx XT benefits from 20-inch alloy wheels. Two new exterior paint hues have been added to the mix (Grey Metallic and Eiger Grey) expanding the colour palette to eight options. The Onyx XT further stands out with a gloss black finish applied to the radiator grille, roof rails, side mirrors, door mouldings and tailgate garnish. Adding contrast is a metallic light magnetite finish applied to the bumper accent panels. While unique XT badging adorns the grille and bodywork, customers can pick from four Onyx XT-exclusive colours: Eiger Grey Metallic, Dolomite White Pearl, Onyx Black Mica and Mercury Silver Metallic. Inside the cabin you'll find the upgraded MU-X features a revamped dashboard home to a new nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. While LS models retain a conventional reversing camera, LSE and Onyx XT derivatives feature a new 360° surround view monitor for enhanced all-round visibility. Isuzu says this system offers multiple selectable viewing angles, including an innovative new underfloor view that allows the driver to accurately guide the vehicle around obstacles, further enhancing 4x4 capability and safety. It also offers a wider field of view with dynamic guidelines for easier manoeuvring as well as improved screen brightness. Customers can also look forward to a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display. Set inside the driver's instrument cluster it relays key real time driving data. Analogue dials for the tachometer and fuel gauge remain, alongside an LED temperature gauge. Image: Supplied Exclusive to the Onyx XT is sporty red ambient interior lighting, black leather seats with red contrast stitching and a multifunction steering wheel with a piano black finish and a metallic lower centre ornament. It further benefits from additional USB Type-C ports. The new MU-X is available with two four-cylinder turbodiesel engine options. The 3.0l engine, offered in LS, LSE, and Onyx XT grades, produces 140kW and 450Nm of torque. The 1.9l engine, available in the LS model, delivers 110kW and 350Nm, with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.0l/100km. Both engines are meshed to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.9 is offered in a 4x2 configuration only, while the beefier 3.0 is available in both 4x2 and 4x4, with 4x4 models including a differential lock and low-range transfer case. Pricing: 1.9 LS 4x2: R752,300 3.0 LS 4x2: R852,600 3.0 LS 4x4: R939,500 3.0 LSE 4x2: R886,700 3.0 LSE 4x4: R973, 700 3.0 Onyx XT 4x4: R1,026,800 A five-year/90,000km service plan and five-year/120,000km warranty comes as standard.
